A THIEF took a pensioner's purse after another distraction theft in the region.

The theft happened at about 4pm on Wednesday, at a row of Aged Miners' Homes in Horden, east Durham.

A man, believed to be in his late-20s or early-30s, approached an 85-year-old resident and implied he was working nearby.

He asked the woman for a glass of water and then went with her into her home.

Once inside, the thief distracted his victim before making off with her purse, which contained a small amount of money and her bus pass.

The man is described as white, but tanned, 5ft 9in, slim, with mousy brown, short, straight hair and was clean-shaven.

A police spokesman said the man was thought to have a local accent. At the time of the theft, he was wearing only knee-length beige shorts, said the spokesman.

Detective Constable Peter Black, of Peterlee police, has appealed for any information to help track down the thief.

He also warned elderly people to be wary of strangers coming to their doors.

He advised them to always ask for proper identification and urged: "Do not allow anyone you do not know into your home.''

Anyone with any information on the incident is asked to call police on 0191- 586 2621.